Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Senior 2025 Fundraisers at the West Senior Center (formerly Tsali Manor). Info: Annette Craig (828) 226-6703
- May 25-31. Silent Auction
Bingo Fundraiser. June 14 at the Big Y Gym at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Concession opens at 4 p.m. Games start at 6 p.m. 15 games, $15 per pack, five kid games. All proceeds will go to the Big Y Free Labor Group.
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. July 12 starting from 7923 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Registration at 9 a.m., KSU at 12 p.m. $25 per rider, $30 with passenger. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Safety Program. Info: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989
Cherokee Children’s Home Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Aug. 14-15 at the Sequoyah National Golf Course in Cherokee, N.C. This is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Children’s Home. $350 per golfer includes cart and green fees. Two-person teams, lunch provided each day. Tee times will be scheduled for each team by the Clubhouse. Call the course in advance to request a specific tee time at (828) 497-3000. Info: (828) 359-5575, cchevents@cherokeeboysclub.com
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Big Y Genealogy Workshop. May 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Big Y Community Building in Cherokee, N.C. Join Museum of the Cherokee People Genealogist Robin Swayney (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) to learn about how to begin tracing your family’s personal history. In a workshop crafted especially for the Big Y community, Robin will share techniques and tools for starting your own genealogical research.
Visitor Celebration Day. May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Welcome Center at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C. Live music and entertainment, stickball demonstrations, traditional dancers, giveaways, local vendors with unique crafts and goods, food trucks and food vendors, and more. There is no charge for vendors. Tables and chairs will be provided, and sign-up is available at the Welcome Center. This is a free event. Info: Cherokee Welcome Center (828) 359-6490
Acquoni Baptist Chapel’s 51st Jubilee Celebration. May 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chapel at 722 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. This is the Jubilee Celebration (1974-2025) of the Chapel, formerly named the Cherokee Children’s Home Chapel. A potluck meal is planned. Bring your favorite side dish and/or a dessert. Fellowship, memories, music, and food.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute Alumni Week Open House. May 19-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute at 171 Boys Club Loop in Cherokee, N.C. Snacks, swag, and activities. All alumni from Cherokee Youth Council, Youth Cultural Exchange Program (formerly Costa Rica Eco-Study Tour), Jones-Bowman Leadership Award Program, and Duyugodv’I Right Path Adult Leadership Program.
Meet and Greet with Cherokee Indian Police Dept. and the Cherokee Police Commission. May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oconaluftee Island Park Pavilion #4 (next to the Open Air Market) in Cherokee, N.C.
NAIWA Strawberry Festival. May 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring strawberry pancakes, strawberry shortcake, and BBQ sandwiches. Vendor space is available for $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
13th Annual Seven Clans Rodeo. May 24-25 at 181 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C. Gates open at 5 p.m. daily and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m. This is a SRA-sanctioned event for bull riding, bronco riding, saddle bronc, and barrel racing. Adults: $20, Children 5-and-under are free. Info: Cherokee Welcome Center (828) 359-6490
ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ ᎦᏓᏆᏟ Didanisisgi Gadagwatli Art Market. May 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People lawn in Cherokee, N.C. Shop for ceramic art and much more at an art market on the Museum lawn, with current and former Didanisisgi Gadagwatli pottery workshop students among the participating vendors.
ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ ᎦᏓᏆᏟ Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop Opening Reception. May 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Get a first look at the works on view and mingle with artists from Tara McCoy’s annual pottery workshop at the Museum of the Cherokee People. Both the art market and opening reception are free with Museum admission. General admission to Museum of the Cherokee People is always free for enrolled members of federally-recognized Tribes and Museum members.
Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn. June 1 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Multipurpose Room in Cherokee, N.C. Storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will discuss relocation, the enrollment process, rolls, and more in this informal lecture. This event is free and open to all; registration is not required.
Celebrate Summer Market. June 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym. Lots of local crafts and vendors. Lunch by Melishia. Info: Denise Walkingstick (828) 508-2211
Annual Kituwah Celebration. June 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kituwah site.
Christian Veterinary Mission Clinic. June 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Services and fees: Neuter/dog $30, Neuter/cat $25, Spay for both dog and cat $50, Vacinnes – $10 per animal (rabies and distemper). Info: Tammy Jackson (828) 788-0878 or Tribal Animal Control 497-6091
Vacation Bible School. June 9-12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Straight Fork Baptist Church in Cherokee, N.C. Fun, games, food, and fellowship. Everyone is invited.
14th Annual Smoky Mountain Gospel Singing. June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center at 1416 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Free admission. Featured groups include: Recognize (Tenn.), Going Higher (Ga.), Lail Family (N.C.), Snowbird Boys (N.C.), Williams Family (N.C.), Zena and Melvin Wolfe (N.C.), Hornbuckle Family (N.C.), Yellowhill Choir (N.C.), Welch Family (N.C.), and others. Info: David Smoker (828) 788-0914 or Lane Smoker 735-0171
Anetso (stickball) Exhibition Game – Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) vs Walelu (Hummingbirds). June 28 at 12 p.m. at the Unity Field in Cherokee, N.C.
NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space is available for $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
HIP Committee. May 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Roads Commission. May 19 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. May 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. May 19 at 1 p.m.
Health Board. May 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Confirmation hearing for Amy West to the Atlanta Braves Cultural Advisory Committee. May 21 at 1 p.m.
Lands Committee. May 22 at 9 a.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. May 22 at 1 p.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Cherokee Youth Football & Cheerleading Sign-ups. May 1-23 until capacity is reached. $50 registration fee. Ages 5-12 (July 31 is age cut-off for each division). Register or for more information, contact the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Center (828) 359-6890
Point of Care Testing for Hepatitis C, Syphillis, and HIV. May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Basketball Court at 876 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Info: Tsalagi Public Health (828) 359-6240
Breakaway Sports Cherokee Sports Camp (Baseball 5, Kickball, and Ultimate Frisbee). June 9-11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donald “Kool-Aid” Queen Gym in Cherokee, N.C. In partnership with Cherokee Baptist Church, daily Bible devotions and snacks are included. Info: Call or text (423) 933-6986
POW WOW LISTINGS
All My Relations Pow Wow. May 16-18 at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Campus in Mount Vernon, Wash. MC: Randy Vendiola. Info: AllMyRelations@skagit.edu
Eastern Oregon University 50th Anniversary Pow Wow. May 16-17 at the Eastern Oregon University Field House in La Grande, Ore. MC: Fred Hill. Host Drum: Black Lodge. Info: Pepper Huxoll (541) 962-3463, phuxoll@eou.edu
Gathering of the People Pow Wow. May 16-17 at the BSA Center in Evans, Ga. Emcees: Fred Glennon and Michael Anderson. Head Singers: Tom Ross. Info: Barry Rogers (706) 678-1017, otter@nu-z.net
Legends Casino Pow Wow & Stick Game Tournament. May 16-18 at State Fair Park in Yakima, Wash. Info: Legends Casino at social@legendscasino.net
Manito Ahbee 20th Anniversary Pow Wow. May 16-18 at Red River Exhibition Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Emcees: Ricky White, Hal Eagletail, Howie Thomson. Info: Manito Ahbee Committee (204) 956-1849, info@manitoahbee.com
Seneca Nation Annual Spring Gathering Smoke Dance and Pow Wow Competition. May 17-18 at the Seneca Arts and Learning Center in Salamanca, N.Y. Emcees: Dennis Bowen and Halsey Jimerson. Host Drum: Wabanaki Confederacy. Info: Chelce Finch (716) 945-5035, chelce.finch@sni.org
In Honor of Our Children 38th Annual Pow Wow. May 17 at Kelso High School in Kelso, Wash. MC: Michael War Dancer. Host Drum: Turquoise Pride. Invited Drums: Allen Family Singers, Thunderhawk. Info: Michael Brock (360) 703-5892, m.brock211@gmail.com
13th Annual UC San Diego Pow Wow. UC San Diego Price Center Ballroom West in La Jolla, Calif. MC: Walter Ahhaity. Host Drums: Green River, Hale & Co. Info: Corrine Hensley-Dellefield (858) 822-0048, powwow@ucsd.edu
60th Annual Delaware Pow Wow. May 23-25 at the Fred Fall Leaf Memorial Campgrounds in Copan, Okla. Emcees: Neil Lawhead and Marty Thurman. Host Northern Drum: Red Land. Head Southern Singer: Ryan Goodfox. Info: Elaine Clinton (918) 914-9347
Shoshone Bannock Jr./Sr. High School Contest Pow Wow “Honoring Our Graduates”. May 23-24 at Shoshone Bannock Jr./Sr. High School in Fort Hall, Idaho. MC: Tyson Shay. Info: Kara Tsosie at kdtsosie@gmail.com
For the People Pow Wow. May 24-25 at the Jefferson City Jaycee Fairgrounds in Jefferson City, Mo. MC: Willian Branson. Host Southern Drum: Drowning Creek. Info: Greg Olson (573) 814-9135, ftpowwow@gmail.com
Rochester Public Schools Honoring Our Graduates Pow Wow. May 24-25 in Rough Rock, Ariz. MC: Erny Zah. Host Northern Drum: Milepost 30. Host Southern Drum: Black Storm Crossing. Info: Ray Gray (505) 518-3642, grayray.2022@gmail.com
Shining Mountain Pow Wow. May 24-25 at Aspen High School in Aspen, Colo. MC: Steve LaPointe. Host Drum: The Cherry Creek Singers. Info: Deanne Vitrac-Kessler at dvitrackessler@gmail.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
Upcoming events at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, Tenn. Info: (865) 448-0044
* Sunset Series Concert: Acoustic Eidolon. May 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Storytelling on Sundays. May 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Legends Concert: Smooth Sailor. May 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Moss Garden Tour and Hands-on Workshop. May 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Brevard, N.C. Annie Martin, author of “The Magical World of Moss Gardening”, will lead the workshop. Info: Annie Martin (828) 577-1321, mossinannie@gmail.com, www.mountainmoss.com
VA and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma hosting Disability Claims Event. May 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Seminole Nation Veterans Building, Mekuskey Mission, 35429 Hwy 59 in Seminole, Okla. Info: Mary Culley, Office of Tribal Government Relations specialist, (405) 626-3426, Mary.Culley@va.gov
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site Gala. May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Site at 2620 South Road St. in Johnson City, Tenn. This Gala is to support the new extensions of the visitor center that are to be finished in May. Tickets are $50/person. For the purchase of your tickets please follow the link https://square.link/u/HoqYB5Ut. Info: (423) 926-3631 or tiptonhaynes@outlook.com
29th Annual Swain County Heritage Festival. May 23-24 at the Riverfront Park at 101 Mitchell St. in Bryson City, N.C. This event is free of charge. Gospel music, food, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Info: David Gunter (828) 342-4913
Little Middle Folk School. June 15-21 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C. The school opens its doors to young folks ages 7–17 for Little Middle Folk School, a lively weeklong session for children and youth to discover Appalachian culture and to take part in hands-on programs in dozens of arts and crafts. Participants are divided into two groups. “Littles” are rising second graders to rising sixth graders, and “Middles” are rising seventh graders to rising 12th graders. This year, several scholarship slots are available for Middles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: https://folkschool.org/events/little-middle
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov